PJ Library Presents: Beyond The Bookcase

Mysterious things are happening in Auntie PJ's library! Join siblings Miri and Micah as they journey to the land of Mashal, a magical place where stories come to life (with a Jewish twist).  Subscribe to Beyond the Bookcase to listen to new episodes each month. pjlibrary.org/podcast   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).

Miri, Micah, and all of their friends will be back for Season 3 this fall. In the meantime, enjoy a playlist full of Passover-themed episodes from across our network of shows. Set the seder table with Kiddo and Mimi, cook up a feast with Humpty Dumpty, search for the afikomen with a pirate, and more!  Learn more at pjlibrary.org/passover -- and don't forget, you can download a free Haggadah too!

Shavuot is coming up! Learn more about this important -- and super kid-friendly holiday -- with a playlist of episodes about Shavuot from across our network. Visit pjlibrary.org/shavuot for book lists, recipes, and more to help you celebrate your first Shavuot. 

Today we're answering questions from you: our listeners! Tune in this summer for bonus content including character interviews, sneak previews, and more. Beyond the Bookcase returns with a new season in the fall.  Want to send us a voicemail? Visit https://tinyurl.com/pjpodcasts to leave one. 

Listen in as we chat with our buddy, the Mayor of Mashal, Golem! What has he been up to lately? Does he have any hobbies? How old is he? All of this and more in today's bonus episode.  Who will we catch up with next? Stay tuned...    Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Cast: Golem - Pat Bordenave Interviewer - Alli Thresher

What has everyone's favorite bookworm been up to since we last heard from him? Find out in today's bonus episode! Have a question for Mr. Saifair, his brother Dafi, or any of our other characters? Leave us a voicemail at pjlibrary.org/podcast.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Cast: Mr. Saifair - Tau Zaman Interviewer - Alli Thresher

Welcome to our last summer bonus episode. Today we're (attempting) to catch up with Auntie PJ to ask the hard-hitting questions: Is food allowed in the library? What does Auntie PJ do when she's not at Sofer Shalom? What was she like as a kid? Listen in as we attempt to learn more about our favorite international woman of mystery turned librarian.  Season 3 of PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase, premieres in October 2023.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Cast: Auntie PJ: Madelaine Ripley Interviewer: Alli Thresher

Premiering this fall -- a new podcast from PJ Library Presents! Radio Chitaika features folk tales, beloved books, and Jewish stories, read aloud in Russian or Ukrainian by talented readers such as Gera Sandler, Marsha Pruss, Angelina Statyeva and more! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 

A special Hanukkah message from PJ Library. Hanukkah begins in the evening tonight (or, depending on your time zone, may have already started) and runs through December 15, 2023. This year, PJ Library encourages all of our listeners to "share the light" by participating in Project Menorah.  To learn more about Project Menorah, visit www.projectmenorah.com.  Music credits: “Stars in the Night” by Megan Wofford, licensed via Epidemic Sound

What do BFFs Goldilocks and Baby Bear make for their Shabbat lunch? Why, harissa of course! But what happens when everyone brings the same pot to the kusha (community oven)? A tasting, of course.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Elijah – Nate DuFort Goldilocks: Maya Aoki Tuttle Baby Bear – Rich Wentworth Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Mary Quite Contrary – Journee La Fond

Marion is hosting a gathering for Chag Habanot, the North African Hanukkah festival of daughters. But all the pressure has her being a bit unkind to her friends. Learn all about this holiday plus a valuable lesson about respect and friendship.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid and Rinat Hadad Siegel Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani Snow White – Laura Schreiber Marion, the not-so-old woman who lives in a shoe - Tianna Tagami Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo Prince Charming – Mike D’Angelo Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Queenie (Queen Bee) – Niki Luparelli Mama Bear – Yolanda Spearman Mary Quite Contrary – Journee LaFond Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman Mermaid (last line) – Tianna Tagami

Welcome to Beyond the Bookcase - a new series from PJ Library! Siblings Miri and Micah are visiting the eccentric synagogue librarian, Auntie PJ, when they are suddenly whisked away to a magical world full of fairytale characters. What does the old story of the tortoise and the hare have to do with Shabbat? Are Golems made to announce sporting matches? Will anyone help Chicken Little with her socks? Find out during the premiere episode of Beyond the Bookcase. New episodes drop every month--subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to follow the story. Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz Hare – Daniel Amerman Snow White – Laura Schreiber Chicken Little – Blair Which Peter Pumpkin Eater - Mike Ciporkin Jack - Richard Wentworth

Miri, Micah, and their two friends thought they were headed to the synagogue library to help Auntie PJ prepare for Hanukkah. Instead, they’re swept into a surprise holiday journey, mystically transported to the land of Mashal. They arrive to discover the annual Festival of Lights is in jeopardy. Jack, the high-jumping star of the show, is too afraid to do his big Hanukkiah stunt. Jack may be nimble, but he’ll need serious help from the kids if he’s also going to be brave.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri - Arianna Fox Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Jack - Richard Wentworth

A new friend named Jacob joins the kids to help Auntie PJ gather donations for people in need. But since this is no ordinary synagogue library, this tzedakah mission takes a detour to the mysterious land of Mashal. That’s where Goldilocks and Baby Bear happen to be working on some good deeds of their own! The kids end up on a tzedakah adventure, offering help to other fairy tale characters along the way.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri - Arianna Fox Jacob - Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Goldilocks - Maya Aoki Tuttle Baby Bear - Rich Wentworth

Auntie PJ is teaching the kids about hashavat aveidah, the Jewish commandment about returning lost objects to their rightful owners. Transported to the mystical land of Mashal, they find their fairy tale friend Jack. He’s recovering from a frisbee golf injury, so he needs the kids’ help doing some hashavat aveidah of his own. He has to return a certain golden goose, and its rightful owner is a pretty BIG deal in the land of Mashal. Featuring special guest voice Matt Gutman.    Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri - Arianna Fox Jacob - Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Giant - Mat Gutman Jack - Richard Wentworth

The kids come to the library for a Pajama Havdalah event, but their upcoming move has Blue feeling more stressed than blessed. Whisked away to the fantastic land of Mashal, the kids run into Chicken Little, who can relate to Blue’s fear of change. She’s upset about Shabbat coming to an end. A Havdalah walk through Mashal is just what this group needs in order to learn that endings open the door for sweet new beginnings. Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri - Arianna Fox Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Chicken Little - Blair Which Hare - Daniel Amerman Jack - Richard Wentworth Snow White - Laura Schreiber

It’s time for the purimspiel, the annual performance telling the story of Purim. The kids are trying to decide which characters everyone will play but they can’t get Jacob to settle on a role. Once again transported to the land of Mashal, they meet Bubbe and a not-so-bad wolf named Zev. He’s having his own trouble finding his role in Mashal’s Purim carnival. They’ll all have to work together to help both Zev and Jacob pick the perfect part.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri - Arianna Fox Jacob - Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Zev the Wolf - Walter Alice Sickert Little Red - Anne Alexander Sieder

A tomato and dairy shortage is threatening to cancel the annual matzah pizza cookoff, and Auntie PJ is freaking out! The kids are whisked away to the land of Mashal where Humpty Dumpty is about to crack under the pressure of hosting his first seder. The kids get help from all their fairytale friends (and even Mr. Saifair) to pick up the Passover pieces and help Humpty keep it together.   Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast Jacob – Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie – Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Saifair – Tau Zaman Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz Hare – Daniel Amerman Goldilocks – Maya Aoki Tuttle Snow White – Laura Schreiber Chicken Little – Blair Which

It’s Shavuot and the kids have arrived in the mystical land of Mashal to find things in chaos! It seems Zev and several of his fairytale friends have introduced the idea of a day with NO RULES. The kids already have their hands full helping to get things back in order, and then Mr. Saifair takes drastic measures, aiming to get Mashal under control ... with no children allowed ever again! Learn more about the holiday of Shavuot at pjlibrary.org/shavuot.   Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Jacob – Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie – Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Zev the Wolf - Walter Alice Sickert Tortoise - David Nickerson Jack - Richard Wentworth Hansel -  Gretel - Lyra Ericson

In this season finale of Beyond the Bookcase, things go beyond berserk! The kids arrive at the library but it’s eerily quiet and Auntie PJ is NOWHERE to be found. They discover they can now enter the land of Mashal at will. But when they arrive, it’s no longer just a quest to find Auntie PJ, but a mission to save the Golem and ALL their fairytale friends too. Thanks for coming along on this season’s adventure! Stay tuned for new episodes this fall.    Credits   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Jacob – Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie – Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem - Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman Zev the Wolf - Walter Alice Sickert Chicken Little - Blair Which Humpty Dumpty - John Henry Kurtz Marion, the Not-So-Old Woman Living in a Shoe - Tianna Tagami Bo Peep - Laura Schreiber Hare - Daniel Amerman